UN deplores armed attacks, killings in Cote d'Ivoire

Abidjan- Cote d'Ivoire (PANA) -- The UN humanitarian co-ordinator in Cote d'Ivoire, Abdoulaye Mar Dieye, has condemned last weekend's military attack by unidentified individuals against several towns in the country's southern part.
In a news release obtained by PANA here Wednesday, Dieye expressed outrage at these "unjustified" attacks, which threatened the peace process and political normalisation envisaged under the Pretoria agreement.
Among other things, the agreement signed by Ivorian protagonists at the end of the 28-29 June meeting in Pretoria calls for the disarmament of warring parties, dismantling of militia groups and the holding of free and fair elections on 30 October.
Abdoulaye Mar Dieye regretted that the killing of several civilians and soldiers during the latest flare-up of violence comes shortly after the "terrible human tragedy in Duekoue.
" He stressed that these tragic events should lead to the inviolable and sacred respect of human rights and human life.
Meanwhile, the UN Humanitarian Affairs Office announced plans for the "immediate" organisation depending on the security situation," of a joint assessment mission by humanitarian agencies to improve the handling of the humanitarian situation and provide an appropriate response.
OCHA urged all parties and forces concerned to facilitate the mission's access to civilians in the affected areas "in compliance with the international humanitarian law.
" Dieye's reaction follows attacks by unidentified armed individuals on Saturday, Sunday and Monday against Anyama, Agboville, Azaguie, Dimbokro and Bongouanou townships in southern Cote d'Ivoire, which is a government controlled area.
The assailants killed at least seven people, including six members of the Defence and Security Forces (FDS) and a student.